Locke on the Relationship Between Government and Religion Essay

Locke on the Relationship Between Government and Religion - Essay Example The right to freedom, therefore, implies that the will of others does not bind a person. However, he is also quick to acknowledge the existence of God and believes that "God has given us a moral obligation to adhere to divine laws. These laws are written on every persons hearts" (Galenkamp,2012,p.92). Locke believes that the State has no right to impose any religion on their citizens. He writes that every person has rights such as a right to life, a right to free will and a right to the estate. Thus, the country has no freedom to take away any of those rights from an individual only because the person does not agree to the kind of religion recommended by the State. The society can confront a person when his religion causes chaos to others. "Only when someones religious commitment constitutes a direct threat to the public peace and order, civil authorities may legitimately restrict religious freedoms" (Galenkamp,2012,p.92). Lockes view of toleration is both useful and ethical because it appreciates and embraces differences. It is also useful because, it states that the State has a right to intrude if someones religious belief disrupts peace. It is also ethical in that he believes an individual has the freedom of choice. He also believes in the existence of God, who according to him has deposited the ability to make right or wrong decisions. He believes that God has set the standards for us and in us. A person does not necessarily need the laws to be written somewhere for them to follow. God already deposits them in our hearts. The right following to this promptings will ensure that a persons conduct is safe and does not infringe on others. Such "promptings" are the same ones that ethics applies. As Locke states in his "A Letter Concerning Tolerance", society has a right to say no to some communities whose beliefs tamper with others rights. Any religion that disrupts the peace of a country and causes chaos, killings or havoc should be stopped. For example, a